Hana Qerimi, co-founder and CEO of StarLabs and Digital School, has been recognized as one of the young entrepreneurs in the Western Balkans shaping the future of the information technology sector, and more especially, application development, by offering outside services to global markets.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has published an article on Saturday 12 August, the day the world marked International Youth Day, recognizing the limitless potential and importance of young people in shaping a brighter future.

Hana shared the inspiring story and noted the crucial help she received from the EBRD’s Youth in Business program.

“We are so grateful for the support we have received from the EBRD’s Youth in Business programme – from helping with financing for a franchising consultant, through attaining certifications in international standards to improving our managerial processes, we have raised our credibility both inside and outside the country as well as improved the customer service delivery for our clients”, said Hana.

The journey has not been easy for Hana, but having self-belief has been vital to her success.

“At the start, I had to do many tasks that I did not enjoy, requiring me to overcome my anxieties and insecurities. I felt I had to conceal these feelings and present myself as strong and confident to others. It was challenging, but I knew that it was necessary to show strength and confidence as a leader in the business. Looking back, it feels like we were selling diamonds without having anything in our hands,” she said.

Read the full story in the EBRD article here.